Orlando: We will be Defined by How we Respond, How we Treat Each Other

Yesterday was the most horrific day in the history of the City of Orlando. And yet, I stand here today even more proud of our community because they came together, united to support the families and friends of the victims.

We learned of the heroic acts of our Orlando Police Department as well as other law enforcement, as well as our citizens as hundreds of lives were saved throughout the night. And the medical personnel that saved so many lives that were transported to the hospital are heroes.

I cannot imagine being one of the parents or being one of the loved ones who learned your loved one was deceased.

The FBI did an unbelievable job clearing the scene. By 11 p.m., all victims were removed from the scene by FDLE.

I want to complement the medical examiner and FDLE for the work they did all night long, making identifications of victims and notifying next of kin. Forty-eight of the 49 victims have been identified. Twenty-six next of kin have been notified, with more to come.

The number to call for families is 407.246.4357. As the next of kin are being notified, we are putting the names on cityoforlando.net/victims.

We will not be defined by the act of a cowardly hater. We will be defined by how we respond, how we treat each other.